Information handling system speaker with dampened speaker signal interface

ABSTRACT

A portable information handling system is assembled and disassembled by a keystone assembly that couples at an upper surface of the portable housing to overlap a keyboard assembly that covers processing components disposed in the portable housing. The keyboard assembly includes a membrane that has contact switches to detect key input presses and is supported by a housing cover that extends members into a housing interior to hold components in position, such as a speaker. The speaker has spring-biased connection pins with a dampener at the speaker housing to dampen vibrations. Contact pads extending from the keyboard membrane communicate speaker signals to the speaker to play audible sounds though the spring-biased connection pins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of portableinformation handling systems, and more particularly to an informationhandling system speaker with dampened speaker signal interface.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Portable information handling systems integrate processing components, adisplay and a power source in a portable housing to support mobileoperations. Portable information handling systems allow end users tocarry a system between meetings, during travel, and between home andoffice locations so that an end user has access to processingcapabilities while mobile. Tablet configurations typically expose atouchscreen display on a planar housing that both outputs information asvisual images and accepts inputs as touches. Convertible configurationstypically include multiple separate housing portions that couple to eachother so that the system converts between closed and open positions. Forexample, a main housing portion integrates processing components and akeyboard and rotationally couples with hinges to a lid housing portionthat integrates a display. In a clamshell configuration, the lid housingportion rotates approximately ninety degrees to a raised position abovethe main housing portion so that an end user can type inputs whileviewing the display. After usage, convertible information handlingsystems rotate the lid housing portion over the main housing portion toprotect the keyboard and display, thus reducing the system footprint forimproved storage and mobility.

Conventional design goals for portable information handling systems haveattempted to compress as much processing capability into as small of ahousing footprint as possible. These conventional design goals canresult in complex systems where design constraints include substantialprocessing capability, maximum thermal characteristics, minimal powerconsumption with maximum battery life, low weight and minimal housingheight. Typical designs include specialize housing arrangementsassembled with screws that attempt to optimize the use of the entireinterior housing space taking into account airflow for cooling, batterydimensions, keyboard height processing component dimensions, displaydimensions and other factors. Assembly of the housing and processingcomponents with screws helps to ensure a robust system that canwithstand impacts common to portable housing configurations. Generally,conventional designs involve a final assembly that is not intended to bebroken down except for the most common repairs, such as replacement of akeyboard, addition of DRAM modules and addition or replacement storagedevices. Even these types of interactions typically involve removal ofdozens of screws and separation of communication cables that interfacethe various processing components.

Another difficulty with conventional portable information handlingsystem design is that systems are difficult to breakdown at systemend-of-life to support recycling and/or reuse of components. Screws, inparticular, tend to make system breakdown difficult and inefficient sothat recycling can often become cost prohibitive. For example, aportable information handling system at end of life typically has somecomponents that may have additional reuse life remaining, somecomponents that have recyclable materials and some components that arewaste. The value of any reusable and recyclable materials is reduced bythe cost of separating those materials from waste materials in a formthat allows reuse and recycling. When system breakdown cost exceeds thevalue of reuse and recycling, a default response is too often thatcomponents and materials having value are instead sent to waste. Yet,even in those instances where part of the system components areseparated to recycle or reuse, many of the system-specific componentswill not adapt to new use models. For instance, specialized arrangementsof components typically result in cables and connectors of differentlengths and types to interface the components within a housing. Oftenthe cable format remains the same across information handling systemplatforms, yet the cables of different lengths make reuse difficult andthe cable connectors couple to circuit boards that are difficult tobreakdown and reuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which assemblesinformation handling system portable platform architecture suitable forefficient system break down that encourages recycling and reuse.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for assembly anddisassembly of a portable information handling system. A portablehousing couples components without screws in an architecture adapted forcomponent reuse, refurbishment and recycling using automated methods,such as robotic arms.

More specifically, a portable information handling system housingcouples together with a single keystone assembly that releases with asliding motion adaptable to automated manufacturing techniques. Releaseof the keystone assembly allows a housing cover to slide relative to amain housing portion and lift off to expose internal components foraccess by robotic arms. A keyboard assembly includes a membrane havingkey input sensors, a capacitive touch sensor, speaker signal interfacewires and battery enable wires include and managed by a printed circuitboard integrated in the membrane. The printed circuit board folds to abottom side of the housing cover to align with a keyboard connector onthe system motherboard so that the keyboard interface with themotherboard is completed without an internal cable. The motherboardcouples to the housing by sliding onto retention nuts and is securedfrom disassembly by placement of another component to prevent thesliding, such as a cooling fan that couples up against a side of themotherboard. By avoiding cables and screws, the system assembles anddisassembles with mechanical manipulation of automated robotic arms sothat components are automatically sorted according to available reuse,refurbishment and recycling classifications.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that aportable information handling system assembles and disassembles in amanner consistent with the operation of automated or robotic techniques.Components couple into place and release from an assembly withsimplified manipulation, such as sliding of a motherboard or housingcover to fix into place and release from an assembly. Componentsassemble and breakdown in logical elements associated with reuse,refurbishment and recycling of the components, such as types of materialused, life cycle of the component, and availability for refurbishment.For instance, a keyboard breaks down for separate management of alattice of keys, a membrane with key sensors and a housing cover. Themembrane includes wirelines that replace cables used in conventionalinformation handling systems, such as to support communication ofspeaker signals and battery power. A single keystone assembly completessystem assembly and initiates system disassembly without the use of anyscrews in any of the major defined component elements. Reducing couplingstructures, cables and connectors inside a portable information handlingsystem encourages a circular economy that reduces emissions and wasteassociated with manufacturing, reduces the carbon footprint and enablesautomated recycling and reuse to achieve improved efficiency and productuse for a full life cycle of the components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a portable informationhandling system configured to promote automated assembly and disassemblyto assist with reuse and recycling of information handling systemcomponents;

FIGS. 2 and 2A through 2D depict an example of a keystone assemblysystem for assembly and disassembly of a portable information handlingsystem;

FIG. 3 depicts an upper perspective view of the main housing portionwhen the housing cover lifts free after removal of the keystoneassembly;

FIGS. 4 and 4A through 4C depict a lower rear perspective andcross-sectional view of the housing cover coupling components within themain housing portion by lock members extending down from the housingcover;

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of the housing cover configuredto couple in a sliding relationship with a main housing portion;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a detail view of the housing cover having stopsthat complete coupling of the housing cover to main housing portionguides;

FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B depict a speaker having speaker signals to playaudible sounds communicated through a keyboard membrane and isolatedspring biased contact pins;

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of a keyboard having a keyboard membranethat includes key touch sensors, a touchpad sensor and a printed circuitboard to manage logical tasks associated with keyboard;

FIG. 9 depicts an upper perspective view of a keyboard membrane havingan integrated printed circuit board with a keyboard matrix controllerand capacitive touch controller to manage keyboard and touchpadoperations;

FIGS. 10 and 10A through 10C depict example embodiments of keysassembled as a lattice with a planar sheet between the keys and themembrane to enhance key and keyboard reuse;

FIG. 11 depicts an upper perspective view of a keyboard membrane andexample embodiment having liquid detection sensors;

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of liquid detection logic to detect andstore a liquid spill event at a portable information handling system;

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an intrusion detection circuit todetect and store intrusion events within the system housing;

FIGS. 14 and 14A depict an example of disposition of keyboard assemblyto motherboard connectors with intrusion detection;

FIGS. 15 and 15A through 15C depict an example of a 12 pin keyboardmembrane connector interface with integrated intrusion detection;

FIG. 16 depicts a circuit block diagram of interfaces between aninformation handling system motherboard and keyboard printed circuitboard;

FIG. 17 depicts an upper perspective exploded view of the keyboardassembly and disassembly of a palm rest with electrically reactiveadhesive;

FIGS. 18 and 18A depict a circuit block diagram of keyboard assembly anddisassembly of a palm rest with electrically reactive adhesive;

FIGS. 19A through 19C depict a cooling fan coupling with a motherboardin a main housing portion to secure the motherboard in place;

FIGS. 20 and 20A through 20E depict an information handling systemhaving a series cooling fan interconnect with adjustable coolingcapacity;

FIG. 21 depicts a circuit block diagram of an example of communicationpaths between serially interfaced cooling fans;

FIGS. 22, 22A and 22B depict an example embodiment of a cable-freebattery connector to communicate power between an information handlingsystem motherboard and battery;

FIG. 23 depicts an exploded front perspective view of the cable-freebattery connector;

FIG. 24 depicts a front perspective view of the battery connectorcoupled to the main housing portion and having the motherboard coupledin place to electrically interface with the battery;

FIGS. 25, 25A and 25B depict an example of an assembly of componentswith retention nuts 320;

FIG. 26 depicts an antenna module integrated in a modular thermalsolution;

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C depict an alternative embodiment for coupling amotherboard to the information handling system main housing portion;

FIGS. 28A and 28B depict an example of a flexible slide motionarrangement for coupling a motherboard to the main housing portion; and

FIG. 29 depicts a bi-stable flexure plate for coupling a motherboard toa main housing portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A portable information handling system design shifts towards a reducedcarbon footprint with components that enhance repair, refurbishment,material recovery and harvesting for reuse to accelerate the circulareconomy, reduce emissions in manufacturing and promote recycling andreuse through automation. For purposes of this disclosure, aninformation handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregateof instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect,record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and mayvary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Theinformation handling system may include random access memory (RAM), oneor more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) orhardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types ofnonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handlingsystem may include one or more disk drives, one or more network portsfor communicating with external devices as well as various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display.The information handling system may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a front perspective view depicts a portableinformation handling system 10 configured to promote automated assemblyand disassembly to assist with reuse and recycling of informationhandling system components. Portable information handling system 10 isbuilt in a housing 12 having a clamshell configuration with a mainhousing portion 14 rotationally coupled to a lid housing portion 16 byhinges 18. In the open position depicted by FIG. 1 , lid housing portion16 is rotated to a viewing position above housing cover 20 that supportsa keyboard 22 in a typing position to accept end user presses atkeyboard keys. A touchpad 24 is defined in the housing cover 20 toaccept end user touches as inputs, such as to control a cursor positionor accept an “enter” input. A locking device 26 couples into a securityopening of housing 12 to secure the system, such as a Kensington lockand cable arrangement. A display 28 integrates in lid housing portion 16to present information as visual images viewable to an end user typingat keyboard 22. Portable information handling system 10 supportsportable operating modes with an integrated input device, display andpower source assembled in an integrated unit that is disassembleablewith an automatic or robotic operation that does not involve screws orother coupling devices needing manual manipulation. The componentsassemble and breakdown in a manner that promotes reuse and recycling. Inthe depicted configuration, with security lock 26 coupled in place, theassembled system is protected against internal access. Yet, whensecurity lock 26 is removed and an internal keystone assembly isactivated, the entire information handling system breaks down intological components with minimal time and fully accessible torobotic-type of tools.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A through 2D, an example of a keystoneassembly 30 system is depicted for assembly and disassembly of portableinformation handling system 10. FIG. 2 depicts portable informationhandling system 10 in tablet mode having hinges 18 rotating lid housingportion 16 180 degrees relative to main housing portion 14 so thatdisplay 28 lays flat on a support surface to accept touch inputs.Keyboard 22 and touchpad 24 are supported on the upper side of mainhousing portion 14 and housing cover 20. On a side opposite securitylock 26 a pair of data cables 34 fit into ports 32, such as USB Type Ccables and ports that support power, video and data communication. Inthe tablet configuration a keystone assembly 30 couples to main housingportion 14 and overlaps keyboard 22 and cover housing portion 20 toprevent disassembly of portable information handling system 10. Securitylock 26 inserts through a security opening of main housing portion 14 toengage a security lock device 36 coupled at the interior of housing 12so that a cable 38 secures portable information handling system 10. Forexample, security lock 26 locks and unlocks in response to a keyactuation with key actuation to a locked position engaging security lockdevice 36 to prevent access to the security opening in housing 12. Inthe locked position, a latch or other coupling arrangement of securitylock 26 and security lock device 36 prevents removal of security lock 26until the lock is moved to an unlock position, such as a Kensington orNoble lock or similar arrangement. When security lock 26 is unlocked torelease it from security locking device 36 and removed from the securityopening of housing 12, access is provided to a release of keystoneassembly 30 so that housing 12 may be disassembled.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the inner side of keystoneassembly 30. Keystone assembly 30 has an exterior member 40 sized to fitin a gap between housing cover 20 and the perimeter of main housingportion 14 along a side at which hinges 18 couple. A side wall 54extends down from opposing lengths of exterior member 40 sized to fit aninterior member 42 on the interior side of exterior member 40 so thatinterior member 42 slides between side walls 54. Guide posts 44 extenddown from the interior side of exterior member 40 to fit in guidesformed in the interior of main housing portion 14. The engagement ofguide posts 44 in guides of main housing portion 14 holds exteriormember 40 in a fixed location relative to main housing portion 14, suchas to fill the gap at the rear side of main housing portion 14perimeter. A latch 46 and a ramp member 48 extend down from interiormember 42 into main housing portion 14 to engage with a catch and a rampcoupled to main housing portion 14. Latch 46 is a resilient materialthat snaps into place against a catch and has a lip to engage the catchand hold both interior member 42 and, through side walls 54, exteriormember 40 to main housing portion 14. When interior member 42 slidesrelative to exterior member 40, latch 46 moves laterally to release themain housing portion catch and ramp member 48 slides laterally to workagainst a ramp surface within main housing portion 14 so that exteriormember 40 is pushed out of and away from main housing portion 14.

FIGS. 2B and 2C show detailed perspective views as indicated in FIG. 2A.A release member 56 extends down from interior member 42 at the securityopening of main housing portion 14 to accept a press from an externalrelease member inserted through the security opening. When releasemember 56 is pressed inward, interior member 42 slides relative toexterior member 40 so that latch 46 and ramp member 48 move relative tomain housing portion 14. A spring element 50 formed in interior member42 biases against at stop 52 of exterior member 40 so that interiormember 42 is biased to a locked position with latch 46 position toengage a catch with main housing portion 14. FIG. 2D depicts keystoneassembly 30 in a raised position above main housing portion 14 havingsecurity locking device 36 accessible through a security opening 60.Guide post 44 extends down into guide 62 to align keystone assembly 30so that latch 46 engages with catch 64. In the example embodiment, areleasing member 58, such as a screw driver, inserts through securityopening 60 to press against the interior member for lateral slidingmovement relative to the exterior member, thereby releasing latch 46from catch 64. The lateral sliding motion presses ramp member 48 againsta ramp surface 65 to lift keystone assembly 30 out of main housingportion 14. Once keystone assembly 30 is removed, a disassembly of thecomponents from within main housing portion 14 may be performed.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , an upper perspective view depicts main housingportion 14 when housing cover 20 lifts free after removal of thekeystone assembly. A motherboard 70 couples to main housing portion 14and interfaces a central processing unit (CPU) 72 that executesinstructions to process information with a random access memory (RAM) 74that stores the instructions and information. A pair of speakers 76couple to main housing portion 14 and interface with CPU 72 to presentaudio information as audible sounds. A battery 78 is disposed betweenspeakers 76 and interfaced with motherboard 70 provide power to the CPU,RAM and other processing components. A cooling fan 80 is disposed inmain housing portion 14 to one side of motherboard 70 to generate acooling airflow that removes excess thermal energy from the processingcomponents. In the example embodiment, housing cover 20 includes membersthat extend from the housing cover bottom surface into the main housingportion interior to hold components in place. Thus, when the keystoneassembly is removed to free housing cover 20, the components under thehousing cover that are held in place by members extending down from thehousing cover are also released for disassembly.

In the example embodiment, a speaker lock member 88 aligns with aspeaker lock feature 84, such as a cavity, notch or opening, of eachspeaker 76 to hold the speaker in place. A battery lock member 90 alignswith a battery lock feature 86, such as a cavity, notch or opening, ofbattery 78 to hold the battery in place. In an example embodiment,battery lock member 90 may engage with a battery switch included inbattery lock feature 86 that enables power transfer to and from thebattery so that battery transfer is disabled when housing cover 20 islifted off. A fan lock member 92 aligns with a fan lock feature 82, suchas a cavity, notch or opening, of cooling fan 80 to hold the cooling fanin place. In one embodiment, the cavity, notch or opening that acceptsthe lock member may also offer a location for physical manipulation ofthe component, such as by a robotics arm. In addition to hold componentsin place, the locking members also prevent assembly of the housing cover20 and components in an improper or misaligned manner since the lockingmembers will interfere with assembly when misaligned. As described belowin greater detail, a sliding engagement of housing cover 20 guides rails96 to main housing portion 14 guides 98 aids in the assembly alignmentprocess. In embodiments that have plural cooling fans, plural speakersand plural battery modules, a lock member may extend down aligned tohold each cooling fan, speaker and battery module in place. Forinstance, as is described in greater detail below, plural fans andplural battery modules may couple in series with each fan and eachbattery module held in place by a lock member.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A through 4C, lower rear perspective andcross-sectional views of housing cover 20 depict coupling componentswithin the main housing portion by members extending down from thehousing cover 20. FIG. 4 depicts a lower perspective view of housingcover 20 with a heat pipe assembly 94 coupled at the location of a CPUand proximate RAM 74. Speaker lock member 88 inserts into speaker lockfeature 84 to hold speaker 76 in place; fan lock member 92 inserts infan lock feature 82 to hold cooling fan 80 in place; and battery lockmember 90 inserts in battery lock feature 86 to hold battery 78 inposition. FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of housing cover 20having battery lock member 90 configured to slide onto battery lockfeature 86 when housing cover 20 slides into a coupled position ontomain housing portion 14, as described below in greater detail. FIG. 4Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of housing cover 20 having cooling fan 80lock feature 82 aligned to slide into speaker lock member 88 whenhousing cover 20 slides to couple to the main housing portion. FIG. 4Cdepicts a cross-sectional view of housing cover 20 having speaker 76speaker lock feature 84 couple against speaker lock member when housingcover 20 slides into place on the main housing portion 14. In theexample embodiment of FIG. 4C, spring-biased contacts 100 of speaker 76also interface with power contact pads formed in speaker lock member 88to provide speaker signals that output audible sound from speaker 76.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a bottom perspective view depicts housingcover 20 configured to couple in a sliding relationship with a mainhousing portion. Guide rails 96 on each of opposing sides of housingcover 20 insert into guides of the main housing portion and slide from arearward to a forward position so that lock members extending from thebottom surface of housing cover 20 in the main housing portion interiorengage with their associated components, such as the battery, coolingfan and speakers. When housing cover 20 slides fully forward, couplingstops 99 at the front of housing cover 20 engage with the main housingportion to hold housing cover 20 in place. Attachment of the keystoneassembly at the rear side of housing cover 20 then locks the housingcover in place by preventing a rearward sliding motion that releasecoupling stops 99. In the example embodiment, a keyboard membraneprinted circuit board 126 extends as part of the keyboard membrane tothe lower surface of housing cover 20 with a connector interface 130aligned to couple to a motherboard connector to communicate between thekeyboard membrane and the motherboard. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a detailview of housing cover 20 having stops 97 that complete coupling of thehousing cover 20 to main housing portion guides. Each stop 97 ispositioned to engage a guide of the main housing portion as the housingcover slides forward and into position. Once engaged, stops 97 preventlifting of the housing cover 20 so that insertion of the keystoneassembly to prevent rearward sliding of housing cover 20 locks thehousing as a complete assembly. Although the example embodiment depictsrails in the housing cover that engage with rail guides of the mainhousing portion, in an alternative embodiment, the rails may be arrangedin the main housing portion to engage rail guides of the housing cover.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B, a speaker 76 is depicted havingspeaker signals to play audible sounds communicated through a keyboardmembrane and isolated spring biased contact pins 100. FIG. 7 depictsspeaker 76 having spring-biased contact pins 100, such as pogo pins,configured to align with contact pads 102 that extend down from housingcover 20 as part of the speaker lock member 88. As shown in greaterdetail below, speaker contact pads 102 interface with the systemmotherboard through the keyboard membrane. A portion of the keyboardmembrane that integrates speaker contact pads 102 insert into speakerlock member 88 to align with speaker spring-biased contact pins 100. Asis described above, speaker lock member 88 extends down from housingcover 20, which slides from rearward to forward to couple to the mainhousing portion. The sliding motion also presses speaker lock member 88against speaker 76 to engage grooves 104 formed in the speaker 76 withsidewall extensions of speaker lock member 88. Spring-biased contactmembers 100 press against speaker contacts 102 to maintain an electricalinterface to transfer speaker signals even with vibration associatedwith playing of audible sounds by speaker 76. As is described in greaterdetail below, the speaker signals may be generated by an audio processorcoupled to the motherboard that sends the speaker signals through themembrane. Alternatively, the audio processor may couple to a printedcircuit board formed in the keyboard membrane that converts audioinformation provided from the motherboard into audio signals that playat speakers 76.

FIGS. 7A and 7B provide a more detailed view of the speaker signalinterface between contact pads 102 of the keyboard membrane andspring-biased contact pins of speaker 76. In the example embodiment,tapered cones 103 of dampening material, such as rubberized plastic,provide dampening of vibrations between speaker 76 and the keyboardmembrane. Tapered cones 103 of dampening material isolate vibrationsbetween the speaker and contact pads to help enhance the life of thespeaker lock member, membrane contact pads and spring-biased contactpins. FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of speaker 76 depictingspring-biased contact pins 100 inserted through a speaker dampener 105disposed around the base of spring-biased contact pins 100. Speakerdampener 105 is formed from dampener material, such as a rubberizedplastic or silicon, that absorbs vibrations to prevent wear from thevibrations on the spring-biased contact pins. In the example embodiment,some spacing is provided between speaker dampener 105 and tapered cones103 so that each separately dampens vibrations on both sides of theelectrical interface. In alternative embodiments, dampener 105 may havea cone outer shape that inserts into the cone inner shape of taperedcone 103. The mechanical vibration dampening of the dampening materialreduces wear over time related to vibrations from sound output byspeaker 76.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , an exploded view of a keyboard 22 depicts akeyboard membrane that includes key touch sensors, a touchpad sensor anda printed circuit board to manage logical tasks associated with keyboard22. In the example embodiment keyboard 22 has key assembly 112 withplural keys that couple over a planar sheet 114 having an opening foreach key so that key presses are applied to a keyboard membrane 118 fordetection by key input sensors at each key position, such as a switchthat closes when pressed by a key. The example embodiment includes afingerprint reader module 110 is included in one corner of the keyassembly. Keyboard membrane 118 rests over housing cover 20, whichprovides support so that key presses into membrane 118 will be detectedby key press sensors included in the membrane. Keyboard membrane 118 hastwo contiguous portions formed in a common membrane film. A firstportion 120 includes key touch detection sensors, such as conventionalkeyboard membrane switches that output a matrix location of the keypress through wirelines formed in the membrane material. A secondportion 122 includes a capacitive touch sensor that extends towards thefront side of housing cover 20 to provide a touchpad input surface. Atouchpad stiffener plate 124, such as a hard plastic, is disposed undertouchpad second portion 122 to provide a solid surface against whichtouchpad inputs are made. A palm rest 116 couples over second portion122 of membrane 118 to provide a touchpad 24 that the end user canreference to make touchpad inputs over the touchpad sensor area. The keyassembly 112, planar sheet 114, membrane 118, palm rest 116, stiffenerplate 124 and housing cover 20 are coupled into a single keyboardassembly 125 that slides onto and off of the main housing portion withassembly and disassembly completed by coupling or decoupling thekeystone assembly to overlap keyboard assembly 125, as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , an upper perspective view depicts keyboardmembrane 118 having an integrated printed circuit board with a keyboardmatrix controller and capacitive touch controller to manage keyboard andtouchpad operations. In the example embodiment, printed circuit board126 is a flexible printed circuit board having wirelines and contactpads formed in the membrane material. A keyboard matrix controller 127couples to flexible printed circuit board 126 and interfaces with thematrix of keyboard touch sensors in the keyboard first portion 120 ofmembrane 118. For example, keyboard matrix controller 127 decodessignals received from membrane wirelines to determine which key ispressed and codes the key value to communicate to a CPU as an input. Acapacitive touch controller 121 interfaces with the capacitive touchsensor of second membrane portion 122 to report touchpad inputs to theCPU. Although the example embodiment depicts the capacitive touchcontroller 121 distal printed circuit board 126, in an alternativeembodiment it may couple to printed circuit board 126 or be managed withthe same processing resource that detects key inputs, A communicationshub 128, such as a USB hub, interfaces with both the keyboard matrixcontroller and the capacitive touch controller so that the keyboard andtouch inputs are communicated to the CPU with a reduced number of pinsin a connector interface 130, as is described in greater detail below.The USB protocol communicates through a differential serial pair toprovide a more rapid communication transfer in the place of multipleless capable communication pathways that separately support each deviceor type of information. Flexible printed circuit board 126 folds underfirst portion 120 of membrane 118 so that connector interface 130 alignsto fit in a motherboard connector when the housing cover slides intoposition on the main housing portion. In various embodiments, the singlepiece membrane having key input sensors, capacitive touch sensors and anintegrated circuit board may also include a backlight with microLEDsintegrated in the membrane and controlled with a controller coupled tothe circuit board, such a processing resource that coordinates keyboardoperations. In the example embodiment, speaker contact pads 102integrate with membrane 118 and fold over to fit in the speaker lockmember as discussed above. An audio processor 119 couples to a printedcircuit board of membrane 118 to process audio information communicatedfrom the CPU. The result of the keyboard assembly is a set of easilyassembled components that are readily reused or recycled based upon thecondition of the components when the information handling system isreturned.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A through 10C, example embodimentsdepict keys 134 assembled as a key assembly 112 lattice with a planarsheet 114 between the keys and the keyboard membrane 118 to enhance keyand keyboard reuse. FIG. 10 depicts and exploded view of planar sheet114 above housing cover 20 having the keyboard membrane 118 coupled toan upper surface. Planar sheet 114 is a thin and flexible plasticmaterial, such as mylar, that couples with slots 140 to connector clips138 at opposing sides of housing cover 20 and between key assembly 112and keyboard membrane 118. Snap connector extensions 131 extend fromhousing cover 20 through slots of planar sheet 114 to engage snapconnectors in the bottom surface of key assembly 112. In the exampleembodiment, one snap connector extension 131 is located at each openingof planar sheet 114, which coincides with the location of key inputsensor locations. When key assembly 112 is coupled as a lattice tohousing cover 20, the keys are disassembled as a lattice by pulling upat one end of planar sheet 114 to release slot 140 from connector clips138 so that the separation of planar sheet 114 from keyboard membrane118 releases the lattice from snap connector extensions 131. Theproposed solution allows the keyboard assembly lattice to be readilyremoved and replaced at the housing cover and without impactingunderlying electronics. In particular, at system refurbishment keys aretypically a primary cosmetic concern. The independent lattice structurefrom a single material allows the lattice to remain a single componentduring refurbishment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C depict example arrangements for coupling thekeyboard assembly to the housing cover with serial locking snaps thatprotrude through the membrane and have substructure reinforcement metalfor a robust assembly. FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an upper perspectiveview of different embodiments of snap connector extensions 131 formed inhousing cover 20 that each couple to a key support or, alternatively, alattice support. FIG. 10A depicts a double clip arrangement that graspsa key support; FIG. 10B depicts a single clip arrangement that couplesthe key support below the clips. FIG. 10C depicts a key 134 coupled to ascissors 136 that manages vertical motion of key 134 relative to aholder plate 142 having a snap clip that couples to snap connectorextension 131 extending up from housing cover 20. Planar sheet 114 restsbetween membrane 118 and key 134 so that an upward lift of planar sheet114 will release key 134 from housing cover 20. An opening in planarsheet 114 provides to fit a rubber dome 133 through that biases up key134 away from key input sensor 132 formed in keyboard membrane 118. Theexample embodiment is described as having keys 134 coupled as a keyassembly in a lattice so that lifting up on planar sheet 114 willrelease the keys; however, in an alternative embodiment each key 134 maycouple to housing cover 20 as an individual element rather thanassembled in a lattice. Generally, assembly in a lattice offers a moresimple assembly and disassembly of keys 134, however, individualelements may be supported by robotic assembly and offer advantages withrespect to refurbishment of individual keys rather than recycling anentire lattice assembly when one key is bad. When recycling isnecessary, the separable lattice offers efficiencies by manufacture ofthe entire key lattice from a single recyclable material.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , an upper perspective view of a keyboardmembrane 118 depicts an example embodiment having liquid detectionsensors 160. Liquid detection sensors 160 are exposed at the uppersurface of keyboard membrane in the first portion 120 and interfacedwith a processing resource of integrated printed circuit board 126, suchas the keyboard matrix controller. In an alternative embodiment, liquiddetections sensors 160 may also be included in second portion 122 andinterfaced with the capacitive touch sensor or other type of processingresource. One example liquid detection sensor 160 is a set of pluralpads that detect liquid when a short is created between the pads.Another type of liquid detection sensor is a resistive sensor that has achange in resistance when a liquid comes into contact with the sensor.The contiguous nature of keyboard membrane 118 across both the key inputand capacitive touch portions provides an area for liquid detection thatencompasses most of the key upper surface. When liquid is detected, theliquid detection event is stored in non-transitory memory, such as flashon printed circuit board 126 or the system motherboard by communicationthrough connector interface 130.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , a block diagram depicts liquid detectionlogic to detect and store a liquid spill event at a portable informationhandling system. In the example embodiment, liquid detection circuit 160at detection of a liquid sends a high signal to a GPIO of keyboardcontroller 162, such as a key matrix controller, which wakes in responseto the GPIO input. Keyboard controller 162 writes a liquid spill eventto a flash memory 164 events table 166 so that the liquid spill eventremains stored in the keyboard membrane as a reference for reuse of themembrane. In addition, the event may be communicated to a non-transitorymemory of the motherboard so that the liquid spill event remains withthe system in case the keyboard membrane is separated and reused in adifferent system. As one example, events table 166 may be stored with ahousing intrusion system that monitors ingress to the housing interior,as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , a block diagram depicts an intrusiondetection system to detect and store intrusion events within the systemhousing. A battery management unit (BMU) 190 interfaces across a batteryside interface 200 with a motherboard side interface 202 and a keyboardmembrane on housing cover 20. A battery ground through resistor 198 islocated at motherboard side 202 and a sys_pre ground 192 is located atthe keyboard membrane. A communications hub 194, such as a USB hub,provides an interface between motherboard side 202 and processingresources located on the membrane printed circuit board, such as afingerprint recognition module 196, a second membrane portion 122 havinga capacitive touch sensor to support a trackpad and a keyboard assembly120. Communications hub 194 provides a central communication resourcewith the motherboard so that a pin count between the keyboard membraneand motherboard is reduced. Resistor 198 on the motherboard provides aPCBA level test and is do not populate (DNP) after the PCBA power test.Sys_pre ground 192 has a similar design logic on the keyboard membranePCBA. An internal pull up pulse that is provided for power savings onsys_pre ground 192 pin in battery BMU 190 is leverage to detect a systemaccess. Once sys_pre ground 192 pin is deasserted by the host side, suchas either the motherboard or membrane, more than a threshold duration,the battery turns the power one.

In the example embodiment, system intrusion is detected without adedicated system intrusion switch or sensor. System power is cutoff whenthe housing cover 20 is removed so that a system intrusion event may berecorded in the BMU or with CMOS battery power at a flash of themotherboard and/or keyboard membrane circuit board. The system preventspower disruption and potential damage during assembly and disassemblyand provides BMU intelligence to manage intrusion detection. Beforeremoving power to the system, BMU 190 logs the intrusion event and cansend a notification of the intrusion and system location to a remotetracking website for warranty and service tracking. In addition,communications hub 194 condenses the number of pins used to communicatebetween the keyboard membrane and motherboard so that a contactinterface will support the communication. For instance, 60 pinsassociated with conventional communication of key input, touchpad, powerground and other information is reduced to 12 pins by leveraging thecommunication hub protocol, such as USB.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 14A, an example of disposition of keyboardassembly to motherboard connectors with intrusion detection aredepicted. In the example embodiment of FIG. 14 , the keyboard assemblyis depicted exploded up from the main housing portion 16 to show theposition of the connector 204 coupled to the motherboard 70 and alignedto meet the keyboard membrane connector interface. Battery 78 couples inmain housing portion 14 between speakers 76 to provide power tomotherboard 70 through a battery connector as described in greaterdetail below. FIG. 14A depicts a detailed view of connector 204 alignedto communicate with the keyboard assembly when coupled over the mainhousing portion. Communication between the keyboard membrane andmotherboard is established when the cover housing slides into positionover the main housing portion. BMU 190 interfaces with connector 204through the motherboard to compare the Ra ground interface 198 and thekeyboard assembly sys-pre ground 192 as described above so that an openmain housing portion is detected by the BMU when the keyboard assemblylifts away from the main housing portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 15A through 15C, an example of a 12 pinkeyboard membrane connector interface with integrated intrusiondetection is depicted. FIG. 15 depicts cover housing 20 lifted from mainhousing portion 14 to show a bottom surface having the keyboard membraneprinted circuit board 126 coupled at the bottom surface with connectorinterface 130 exposed in a position to align with connector 204 onmotherboard 70. As described above, printed circuit board 126 is formedin the membrane material and then folded under housing cover 20 tocouple to a structure on the bottom side of housing cover 20. FIG. 15Adepicts a detailed view of printed circuit board 126 folded so thatconnector interface 130 couples into a defined position with twelvecontact pads 212 aligned to engage against spring fingers of connector204. FIG. 15B depicts connector 204 coupled to the motherboard andhaving twelve spring fingers 214 extending up and aligned to pressagainst the connector interface contact pads 212. FIG. 15C depicts thepin positions for the spring fingers and contact pads to communicateinformation, power and ground between the keyboard membrane andmotherboard relying in part on the USB protocol of the communicationshub to communicate the information. The first four pins communicatespeaker signals with positive and negative power feeds that drive theanalog speaker at the speaker communication pads described above. Pin 5provides power to the keyboard backlight, such as under the control ofthe information handling system embedded controller that varies thepower to adjust brightness. Pin 6 is a power key switch to power thesystem on and off, such as power button in the keyboard assembly. Pen 7communicates touchpad information. Pin 8 provides a ground. Pins 9 and10 support USB communication and can include key inputs, touchpad inputsand any other information that fits within the available bandwidth. Pin11 supports the fingerprint reader and pin 12 supports the batterypresent signal described above that is also used to detect intrusioninto the housing.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , a circuit block diagram depicts interfacesbetween an information handling system motherboard and keyboard printedcircuit board. An audio amplifier 222 provides speaker signals withpower to play the speakers through connector 204 to the speakerconnection 224, such as the contact pads formed in the keyboard membraneand extending down the speaker lock member. In alternative embodiments,an audio processor and amplifier may couple to the keyboard printedcircuit board so that audio information communicated by USB is convertedto speaker signals at the keyboard membrane. A battery present ground220 interface couples to one pin of connector 204 to detect intrusioninto the housing as describe above. Communications hub 194 supports USB2.0 to coordinate communication between the motherboard and a fingerprint recognition module 196 and a keyboard processing resource 228,such as an MCU. A power regulator 230 accepts power from connector 204to power keyboard processing resource 228. A touchpad processingresource 226, such as an MCU, interfaces with keyboard processingresource 228 to communicate touchpad inputs to connector 204 as USBinformation. Keyboard processing resource 228 interfaces with keycapLEDs 232 to backlight the keyboard, a key scan matrix 234 to detect keyinput values and a backlight controller 236 to manage backlightbrightness. In the example embodiment, the keyboard membrane material isused to define the flexible printed circuit board that includes theprocessing resources on the keyboard side. In an alternative embodiment,other types of materials may be used to create the printed circuitboard, which is then interfaced with the keyboard membrane.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , an upper perspective exploded view of thekeyboard assembly depicts disassembly of a palm rest with electricallyreactive adhesive. In the example embodiment, palm rest 116 is coupledto housing cover 20 with electrically reactive adhesive 242 adjacent tokey assembly 112. Strips of tape of electrically reactive adhesive 242are strategically placed to support movement of the touchpad 24, such asfor trackpad input clicks detect as keyboard membrane second portion122. Electrical contacts are interfaced with the electrically reactiveadhesive so that, when disassembly is desired, a current applied to theelectrical contacts will release palm rest 116. For example, electricalcontacts on the bottom side of housing cover 20 allows a currentapplication after removal of housing cover 20 to disassemble palm rest116. In one embodiment, key assembly 112 may be held in place in part byan overlap of palm rest 116 to help prevent unauthorized disassembly.Alternatively, palm rest 116 and key assembly 112 may assemble anddisassemble separately. In another example embodiment, system power maybe made available to the contacts so that a processing component commandcan apply power to remove the palm rest. For example, the operatingsystem, BIOS and/or firmware may command power to the contacts throughthe CPU, embedded controller and/or keyboard printed circuit boardprocessing resource. Thus, disassembly of palm rest 116 from housingcover 20 may be limited to after removal of housing cover 20 from theinformation handling system or may be available while housing cover 20remains coupled to the main housing portion. Although the exampleembodiment depicts strips of tape of electrically reactive adhesive 242coupled to housing cover 20, in various embodiments, one or both sidesof the tape may have controllable adhesive. That is, a permanentadhesive may couple the strips of tape to palm rest 116 so thatapplication of electrical current releases the palm rest from thehousing cover while keeping the tape coupled to the palm rest.Alternatively, the tape may remain coupled to the housing cover whilereleasing the palm rest. In some cases dual sided tape may releasecompletely from both the palm rest and housing cover when current isapplied. Contacts to accept application of current to the electricallyreactive adhesive may be placed in the interior of the housing so thatthe tape can be charged and released once the housing cover is removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 18A, a circuit block diagram depictskeyboard assembly and disassembly of a palm rest with electricallyreactive adhesive. In the example embodiment, an embedded controller 262on a system motherboard and executing firmware in cooperation with thesystem BIOS applies current from the system power supply 264 to tapecontacts 266 to release the electrically reactive adhesive 242 tape. Inan alternative embodiment, embedded controller 262 coordinates releaseof the tape by applying current to tape contacts 266 that are formed aspart of the keyboard membrane, such as with a command communicated tothe keyboard controller of the keyboard printed circuit board. FIG. 18Adepicts an example of electrically reactive adhesive tape that isreleased by application of current. An anodic metal substrate 246 isseparated from a cathodic conductive substrate 250 by an adhesive withcationic additive 248 having cations in ionic liquid as depicted.Application of an electrical stimulus 260 results in electrochemicalreactions at the interfaces that trigger interfacial debonding withmovement of cations away from the anode breaks the metal-adhesive bond.As is described above, the adhesive may have one or two sides. In oneembodiment, a two-sided adhesive may separate electrical interfaces sothat each side is released with a separate application of current. Thus,for example, one side of tape is released to release the palm rest fromthe housing cover, then the second side of tape is released to releasethe tape completely from the surface. An end user can select whether torelease the palm rest from the tape first or the housing cover.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A through 19C, a cooling fan 80 coupling with amotherboard 70 in a main housing portion 14 secures the motherboard inplace. Motherboard 70 couples to main housing portion 14 with retentionnuts 320 that extend up from main housing portion 14 to fit throughopenings in motherboard 70. The openings have a pear shape so that whenthe motherboard slides towards the rear of the housing a lip of theretention nut retains the motherboard in position, as described ingreater detail below. Battery 78 fits onto a battery connector toprovide power to the motherboard, as detailed below, and speakers 76rest in a speaker cavity aligned to interface with the speaker contactpads that extend down when the housing cover couples over main housingportion 14. Before cooling fan 80 slides into position as indicated byarrow 270, each of motherboard 70, speakers 76 and battery 78 are freeto be lifted from main housing portion 14, such as with a robotic arm.Cooling fan 80 slides as indicated by arrow 270 so that a cooling fanconnector 272 fits under motherboard 70 to couple to a motherboardcooling fan connector 280, which provides power and fan speed control tocooling fan 80. Cooling fan 80 engages in structures of main housingportion 14, such as against vents 282, so that engagement of cooling fan80 with motherboard 70 prevents forward sliding of motherboard 70,thereby securing the motherboard to main housing portion 14 withengagement of the lip of retention nuts 320.

FIG. 19B depicts cooling fan 80 fully slid to the side of motherboard 70so that connectors 272 and 280 fully engage to establish operationalpower and control communication between motherboard 70 and cooling fan80. A rib structure 276 of cooling fan 80 inserts into a slot 278 ofmotherboard 70 to ensure proper alignment and reinforce against slidingmotion of motherboard 70. Once cooling fan 80 fully slides intoposition, airflow is drawn by the cooling fan and directed out exhaustvent 282 to provide thermal rejection for motherboard processingcomponents, such as the CPU. FIG. 19C depicts the alignment of ribstructures 276 and slots 278 to provide a robust structure againstsliding movement of motherboard 70. A clip 274 formed in cooling fan 80proximate the connector 272 engages with motherboard 70 to lock thecooling fan in a relative vertical position. At disassembly, pressing onclip 274 and pulling cooling fan 80 to slide away from motherboard 70releases the motherboard for removal from the main housing portion 14,such as with manipulation with a robotic arm to slide and release fromretention nuts 320.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 20A through 20E, an information handlingsystem having a series cooling fan interconnect with adjustable coolingcapacity is depicted. FIG. 20 depicts an exploded view of first andsecond cooling fans 80 aligned to couple to main housing portion 14 tosupport cooling airflow for processing components coupled to amotherboard 70, such as a CPU. A first cooling fan 80 interfaces aconnector 272 of the cooling fan to a connector 280 at the bottomsurface of motherboard 70 as described above. An exhaust 282 includes acooling channel 283 that directs cooling airflow pulled acrossmotherboard 70 through cooling channel 283 to exchange thermal energywith a heat sink and out exhaust 282. A second cooling fan 80 has aconnector 272 that couples with a rear connector 280 on the bottom sideof the first cooling fan and having the same footprint as themotherboard connector. The second cooling fan in the example embodimentexhausts airflow out exhaust 282 without a cooling channel 283. Coolingfans 80 under the management of an embedded controller on motherboard 70manage fan speeds relative to each other to optimize how cooling airflows through the housing and out of exhaust 282. For example, theembedded controller of motherboard 70 detects the presence of multiplecooling fans and sends control commands through a series connection toeach cooling fan. FIG. 20A depicts the first and second cooling fansassembled in series with the first cooing fan blowing cooling airflowacross cooling channel 283 and the second cooling fan blowing coolingairflow across a gap and out of exhaust 282. The cooling fan speeds mayvary based upon sensed exhaust temperatures and other internaltemperatures. For instance, a moderate CPU temperature could toleratelower airflow through cooling channel 283 to achieve higher overallairflow with the lower resistance to air exhaust of the second coolingfan. Although the example embodiment depicts two cooling fans, inalternative embodiments any number of cooling fans may be interfaced inseries provided room exists in the housing.

FIG. 20B depicts a side view of motherboard 70 having a connector 280 onthe bottom side and aligned to couple with the connector 272 of coolingfan 80. A second fan 80 interfaces serially with motherboard 70 throughthe first fan by coupling a connector 272 at a front upper surface witha connector 280 on the first fan bottom rear surface that has the formfactor of the motherboard connector 280. FIG. 20C depicts a side view ofthe two cooling fans 80 serially coupled to each other so that aprocessing component of the motherboard, such as an embedded controller,manages both cooling fans by communicating with the farthest fan throughthe intermediary fan. The outer most cooling fan draws cooling airflowthrough the intermediary cooling fan to increase the cooling airflowacross motherboard 70 or, alternatively, draws air from the housinginterior to help decrease interior air temperatures. FIG. 20D depicts aperspective transparent view of the first cooling fan 80 connector 272having spring fingers that bias upward against contact pads of themotherboard 70 connector 280. FIG. 20E depicts a perspective transparentview of the second cooling fan 80 having a connector 272 with springfingers biased up against connector 280 contact pads formed in thebottom surface of the middle fan 80. In alternative embodimentsdifferent numbers of cooling fans with varying capabilities and air flowconfigurations may be used in series to achieve a desired thermal andacoustic profile for the information handling system.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , a circuit block diagram depicts an example ofcommunication paths between serially interfaced cooling fans. In theexample embodiment, a common power and ground pin at each cooling fan 80shares power and ground provided from the motherboard. Pins 2 and 3provide pulse width modulation (PWM) control and tachometer feedback forthe first cooling fan. Pins 4 and 5 provide PWM control and tachometerfeedback for the second cooling fan. Each of the pins interface with anembedded controller of the motherboard that executes thermal managementfirmware to command a fan speed for each cooling fan. In one embodiment,additional cooling fans are supported by adding a PWM and tachometer pinfor each additional cooling fan. In an alternative embodiment, a SPI,UART or I2C interface may be used in the place of the PWM interface tocontrol multiple cooling fans.

Referring now to FIGS. 22, 22A and 22B, an example embodiment depicts acable-free battery connector to communicate power between an informationhandling system motherboard and battery. FIG. 22 depicts the informationhandling system with motherboard 70, cooling fan 80 and battery 78explodes out of main housing portion 14. A battery connector 300 iscoupled to main housing portion 14 between the coupling locations ofbattery 78 and motherboard 70. Battery 78 is placed in main housingportion 14 aligned to have contact pads on the battery bottom surfaceinterface with spring members 302 on one side of battery connector 300.Once battery 78 rests in place on main housing portion 14, a lock memberextending down from the battery cover couples the battery in place.Motherboard 70 has openings as described above that couple to attachmentmembers extending up from main housing portion 14 by sliding motherboard70 forward to engage on lips of the attachment members. When motherboard70 slides into the engaged position, contact pads 301 on the bottomsurface of motherboard 70 interface with spring members 302 of batteryconnector 300 to communicate power with the battery. The position ofbattery connector 300 and spacing between the spring members providesroom to slide motherboard 70 forward when battery 78 is in place.Similarly, when motherboard 70 is engaged with the attachment members,battery 78 removes from main housing portion 14 by lifting out withoutimpacting motherboard 70. In this manner, automated assembly anddisassembly is supported, such as by robotic arms. FIG. 22A depicts aside view of motherboard 70 bottom contact pads 301 and battery 78bottom contact pads 301 align to couple with spring clips of batteryconnector 300 when assembled in main housing portion 14.

FIG. 22B depicts an example of battery 78 that provides programmableparallel/serial battery back extensions to reuse, recycling andperformance level adjustments. In the example embodiment, battery 78 isexpandable by first and second battery packs 294 that fit in mainhousing portion 14 and electrically couple through opposing connectorspring clips 292 and connector pads 290. In the example embodiment, eachbattery pack 294 has an arm that extends spring clips 292 towards aparent battery interface so that the outer side of the battery pack fitswithin the main housing portion. Spring clips 292 and contact pads 290extend normal the battery and motherboard interface, although analternative embodiment may have a linear arrangement based upon the typeof shape of the main housing portion and position of the motherboard.The electrical interface and battery configuration may depend based uponthe type of system and the system operating conditions. For instance,battery 78 BMU or the motherboard embedded controller may arrange thebatteries to have a parallel interface with a reduced voltage and deepercurrent generation or a series interface with an increased voltage andlesser current generation. The voltage output of battery 78 may vary bychanging one or more of the battery packs between series and parallelconfigurations when operating conditions that vary at the informationhandling system, such as during surges of power use due to heavyprocessor use or charging of the battery with external power available.Communication between the motherboard, the battery and the battery packis managed with a BMU at each battery and communication of commandedbattery configurations from the motherboard through each battery andbattery pack in series. In one embodiment, CPU performance is managedbased upon battery configuration for available voltages and currents,such as by throttling and surging the CPU as desired with correspondingadjustments to battery configurations. Similarly, configuration betweenseries and parallel may help to extend the life of a battery and batterypack arrangement when a battery cell is detected as bad. Thus, forinstance, a BMU may command an embedded controller to adjust CPUoperating conditions based upon the battery configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 23 , an exploded front perspective view depictsthe cable-free battery connector. A bottom portion 306 couples to themain housing portion and accepts metal spring fingers 302 that conductpower, ground and BMC-to-EC communications. A top portion 304 couples tobottom portion 306 to capture metal spring fingers 302 in place.Alignment posts 308 extend up from bottom portion 306 and above topportion 304 to insert in the battery and motherboard to ensure properinterfaces for the metal spring fingers. Alignment structures 310 extendout of both sides of bottom portion 306 as an alignment reference formounting to the main housing portion. Top portion 304 clips into placeon bottom portion 306 with resilient snaps 312 that fit into and engagewith slots 314 so that connector 300 will not disassemble when coupledin an information handling system since the release is hidden from theend user. When an information handling system is refurbished, connector300 may be reused in an assembled manner, broken down to replace orrecoat metal spring fingers 302, or broken down to recycle the plasticand metal as separate materials with an automated break down process,such as interaction with robotic tools.

Referring now to FIG. 24 , a front perspective view depicts batteryconnector 300 coupled to the main housing portion and having motherboard70 coupled in place to electrically interface with the battery.Alignment post 308 fits through a slot of motherboard 70 so thatmotherboard 70 can slide over top of connector 300. Retention nut 320fits into the wide portion of pear-shaped slot 322 so that motherboard70 engages under a lip of retention nut 320 when slid forward. As isdescribed above, motherboard 70 is then held in position to preventrearward sliding by engagement of a cooling fan at one side of themotherboard. Keyboard connector is carried with motherboard 70 to alignwith the keyboard once the cover housing is coupled into place, therebycompleting the battery connect signal. Connector 300 couples in analigned position with alignment structure 310 fit into a couplingstructure of main housing portion 14. The fit and alignment structuressupport fully automated assembly and disassembly of the informationhandling system, such as with robotic arms. Further, the components arebuilt in a modular manner that encourages reuse of those having longeruseful life and recycling of like materials after system breakdown.

Referring now to FIGS. 25, 25A and 25B, an example of assembly ofcomponents with retention nuts 320 is depicted. FIG. 25 depicts anexample of distribution of retention nuts 320 on the bottom surface ofmain housing portion 14 as desired to secure components to main housingportion 14. To aid automated assembly of information handling system 10,retention nuts 308 couple in position with a press fit or, alternativelyan eye hole type of retention. FIG. 25A depicts a side view of retentionnut 320 that couples in position with a clinch nut 334 having adirectional element 332 at a base main body 330. A nipple portion 324 atthe top side of main body 330 has an engagement portion 326 thatprovides lip to fit over the motherboard or other component that is tobe coupled in place. Engagement portion 326 has an overtravel feature328 on one side that stops a component from sliding relative toretention nut 320 past a certain distance. For instance, when nippleportion 324 fits into the larger circumference portion of a motherboardpear-shaped slot, engagement portion 326 extends over the top surface ofthe motherboard to hold it in position with sliding movement halted byovertravel feature 328. FIG. 25B depicts a bottom front perspective viewof retention nut 320 to illustrate clinch nut 334, which has a desiredalignment in the housing enforced by directional element 332.

Referring now to FIG. 26 , an antenna module 338 integrated in modularthermal solution is depicted. Exhaust 282 is depicted exploded fromcooling channel 283 and motherboard 70. A radio integrated circuit 334couples to motherboard 70 and interfaces with the CPU to communicateinformation as wireless signals sent external to the informationhandling system. For example, radio integrated circuit 334 communicateswith wireless local area networks (WLAN) in the 5 and 2.4 GHz bands,with wireless personal area networks (WPAN) like BLUETOOTH in the 2.4GHz band and/or wireless wide area networks (WWAN) through commercialcell network frequency bands. A coaxial cable 332 carries the wirelesssignals between the radio and the antenna modules 338. Antenna modules338 and coaxial cables 332 integrate into a single module assembly withexhaust 282 so that antenna modules 338 maintain a desired position fortransmitting and receiving wireless signals, such as embedded within anonconductive material 336 and relative to a ground plane provided bymetal of cooling channel 283. The exhaust vent 282 as a completed modulehelps to optimize radio performance while leveraging the thermalsolution as part of the antenna footprint for a more efficientarchitecture.

Referring now to FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C, an alternative embodiment isdepicted for coupling a motherboard to the information handling systemmain housing portion. FIG. 27A depicts motherboard 70 in position to fiton main housing portion 14 over a bi-stable flexure plate 350 configuredto couple the motherboard in place. Bi-stable flexure plate 350 is slidto the right relative to a fixed position of a central portion 354having a pin 357 or other coupling device to fix its position.Motherboard 70 is placed downward on bi-stable flexure plate 350 with ahook 352 slid to the right to provide space for motherboard 70 to restin place, as indicated by arrow 358. FIG. 27B illustrates that oncemotherboard 70 rests on bi-stable flexure plate 350, a push to the rightas indicated by arrow 360 overcomes the bias of the fixed centralportion 354 so that hook 352 engages over top of motherboard 70. FIG.27C depicts hook 352 coupled over motherboard 70 so that motherboard 70is coupled in place with a bias of central portion 354 holding bi-stableflexure plate 350 in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 28A and 28B, an example is depicted of a flexibleslide motion arrangement for coupling motherboard 70 to the main housingportion. FIG. 28A depicts the central portion 354 in an unlockedposition having a gap 362 to the right side of bi-stable flexure plate350. Eight triangular shaped openings are formed by a structure 356 onopposing sides of central portion 354. FIG. 28B depicts that a gap 362moves from the right side to the left side of central portion 354 whenbi-stable flexure plate 350 is slid to the right as indicated by thearrows. In the example embodiment, gap 362 is approximately 4 mm. Whengap 362 is on a side of central portion 354, the length of the centralmember of structure 356 works against movement of the gap to the otherside central portion 354. In order to shift bi-stable flexure plate 350to the locked position, the central arm between the triangle structureshas to flex so that the resilient nature of the material biases thebi-stable flexure plate 350 to assume a position to the right or to theleft of central portion 354 and need a substantial force to change theposition. The amount of force needed to couple and release motherboard70 is adjusted by adjusting the type and amount of material used todefine structure 356, including the size of the triangles.

Referring now to FIG. 29 , a bi-stable flexure plate is depicted forcoupling a motherboard to a main housing portion. In the exampleembodiment, a central pin 366 fits through an opening 370 of motherboard70 to hold motherboard 70 in position relative to central portion 354,which is itself coupled to a fixed position relative to the main housingportion. A sliding pin 368 engages in a slot opening 372 to allow thebi-stable flexure plate 350 to slide relative to mother board 70 duringlocking and unlocking. Side coupling clips 364 align with slots 374 ofmotherboard 70 and hook 352 aligns with slot 376. A push left or righton the bi-stable flexure plate 350 changes the bias of trianglestructure 356 to adjust between locked and unlocked positions relativeto motherboard 70. In one embodiment, bi-stable flexure plate 350 ismade of a resilient plastic by an injection mold process and pins 366and 368 elevate mother board 70 in a raised position to aid with thermalmanagement.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system comprising: ahousing having first and second housing portions rotationally coupled bya hinge; a circuit board disposed in the first housing portion; aprocessor coupled to the circuit board and operable to executeinstructions that process information; a memory coupled to the circuitboard and interfaced with the processor, the memory storing theinstructions and information; a speaker disposed in the first housingportion, the speaker having spring-biased connection pins extending fromone side to accept speaker signals having audio and power, the speakersignals communicated from speaker contact pads interfaced with thecircuit board, the spring-biased connection pins enclosed in a dampenercomposed of dampening material coupled to the speaker and having an endportion of the spring-biased connection pins exposed to interface withthe speaker contact pads; and a tapered cone of dampening materialextending around the speaker contact pads and having a taper of an outeropening towards a narrow inner opening proximate the speaker contactpads and aligned to guide the spring biased connection pins intoposition in contact with the speaker contact pads.
 2. The informationhandling system of claim 1, wherein the speaker couples in the firsthousing portion relative to the speaker contact pads to have a spacebetween the dampener and the tapered cone.
 3. The information handlingsystem of claim 1, wherein the speaker couples in the first housingportion relative to the speaker contact pads to have engagement of thedampener and the tapered cone.
 4. The information handling system ofclaim 1, wherein the tapered cone and the dampener comprise a rubberizedsilicon.
 5. The information handling system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a keyboard assembly having plural keys configured to acceptend user key press inputs exposed at an upper surface, the keyboardassembly having a housing cover coupling to the first housing portion tocontain the processor, memory and speaker in an interior of the firsthousing portion, the housing cover having an extension member into theinterior; and a keyboard membrane disposed between the plural keys andthe housing cover, the keyboard membrane detecting the key inputs toreport to the processor and having an extension into the housinginterior, the extension having the speaker contact pads aligned with thespeaker spring-biased connection pins to communicate speaker signalsfrom the circuit board through the membrane to the speaker spring-biasedconnection pins.
 6. The information handling system of claim 5 furthercomprising: a printed circuit board integrated with the keyboardmembrane and interfaced with the processor; a key matrix controllercoupled to the printed circuit board and interfaced with the plural keycontact switches to decode key input values; and an audio processorcoupled to the printed circuit board and interfaced with the speakercontact pads, the audio processor receiving audio information from theprocessor and generating speaker signals for communication to thespeaker.
 7. The information handling system of claim 5 furthercomprising: an audio processor coupled to the circuit board andinterfaced with the speaker contact pads through the keyboard membrane,the audio processor receiving audio information from the processor andgenerating speaker signals for communication to the speaker.
 8. Theinformation handling system of claim 7 further comprising: a touchpadtouch detection sensor included in and contiguous with the keyboardmembrane to detect touchpad inputs; a touchpad stiffener placed betweenthe housing cover and the keyboard membrane at the touch detectionsensor; and a palm rest placed over the keyboard membrane at thetouchpad touch detection sensor.
 9. A method for interfacing speakers ofan information handling system with speaker signals that generateaudible sound, the method comprising: coupling a dampener composed ofdampening material to a speaker around spring-biased connection pins;coupling the speaker in a housing proximate speaker contact pads, thespring-biased connection pins interfacing with the speaker contact pads;coupling a tapered cone of dampening material at the speaker contactpads; and inserting the spring-biased connection pins into the taperedcone to interface with the speaker contact pads; and presenting audiblesounds with the speaker signals communicated from the speaker contactpads to the speaker spring-based connection pins.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the dampener and the tapered cone have a spacedrelationship to not touch each other.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe dampener inserts into and engages with the tapered cone.
 12. Themethod of claim 10 further comprising: assembling plural keys, amembrane and a housing cover as a keyboard assembly; extending a memberfrom a bottom surface of the housing cover, the member having thespeaker contact pads; coupling the keyboard assembly to a housing toalign the speaker contact pads with speaker spring-biased connectionpins; communicating speaker signals through the membrane to the speakercontact pads and speaker spring-biased connection pins.
 13. The methodof claim 12 further comprising: forming speaker wirelines and thespeaker contacts in the membrane; and bending the membrane to couple thespeaker contacts to the member.
 14. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: forming the membrane to include key press detectionswitches, a touchpad touch detection surface and a printed circuitboard; and including an audio processor on the printed circuit board togenerate the speaker signals.
 15. A speaker comprising: a speakerhousing; spring-biased connection pins extending from the speakerhousing; a dampener comprised of dampening material coupled around thespring-biased connection pins and coupled to the speaker, thespring-biased connection pins exposed at one end of the dampener;contact pads interfaced with an audio processor and aligned to contactthe spring-biased connection pins, the contact pads configured tocommunicate a speaker signal that generates an audible sound; and atapered cone of dampening material extending at the speaker contact padsand aligned to guide the spring-loaded connection pins towards thespeaker contacts.
 16. The speaker of claim 15 further comprising: akeyboard membrane operable to detect key presses and configured tointerface with an information handling system motherboard; and a speakerinterface included in the membrane to communicate speaker signals fromthe motherboard to the speaker contact pads; wherein the speaker contactpads integrate in the keyboard membrane.
 17. The speaker of claim 15wherein the dampener and the tapered cone have a spaced relationship tonot touch each other.
 18. The speaker of claim 15 wherein the dampenerinserts into and engages with the tapered cone.